Back Lotion Application Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel back lotion application device. The device is designed to save time and effort when applying lotion to a user’s back area. The device comprises two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller within a housing. The housing is wall mounted. The roller can be installed within the tracks and moves vertically to automate the lotion and/or ointment application. The device comprises a catch tray for catching excess lotion drip for reuse. The device is battery powered or plug-in operated, such that a user can apply lotion to the roller and then power on the device to allow the roller to move up and down on the tracks to apply lotion to a user’s back with ease.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/330,979, which was filed on April 14^(th), 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of back lotion application devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved back lotion application device that provides users with a hands-free lotion and ointment applicator featuring rolling, height-adjustable sponges. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in back lotion application devices of the type which allow users to pour lotion or ointment on a sponge to rub against their body, rather than trying to reach awkwardly behind their back for manual application. Applying a topical liquid whether it is a lotion, soap, oil, or other liquid to one’s back, or other hard to reach area, can be a difficult feat. This is compounded in individuals with limited flexibility. Another difficulty is applying the liquid evenly and absorbing the excess liquid that is applied. Consequently, there is a need for an apparatus that evenly applies topical liquids to hard-to-reach areas of the human body and absorbs excess liquid. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need.

Thus, it is necessary for users, especially those with injuries, limited flexibility and dexterity, or elderly users to have a more ergonomically-friendly back lotion device. Generally, reaching behind the back and trying to manually apply lotion can be difficult and uncomfortable. However, users need to routinely apply lotion, ointment, and/or moisturizer to their back area. Users may try to use different tools to apply lotion to hard-to-reach areas, however, these tools still require physical dexterity and can be difficult to use, especially for elderly people. Therefore, users desire a back lotion device that easily allows them to apply lotion, ointment, and/or moisturizer to their backs, hands-free without unnecessary stretching or maneuvering.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that provides users with a hands-free lotion and ointment applicator device which features rolling, height-adjustable sponges. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that allows users to pour lotion or ointment on the sponges to rub against their body, rather than trying to reach awkwardly behind their back for manual application. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that includes a battery or electrical plug to power the roller and automate the lotion application. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features a catch tray on the base to catch any excess lotion drips for reuse. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that offers a way to apply any lotion, soap, ointment, etc., to the back and other hard to reach areas of the body with ease. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that provides soft and comfortable sponges which conveniently applies lotion automatically.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a back lotion device. The device is designed to save time and effort when applying lotion to a user’s back area. The device comprises two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller within a housing. The housing is wall mounted. The roller can be installed within the tracks and moves vertically to automate the lotion and/or ointment application. The device comprises a catch tray for catching excess lotion drip for reuse. The roller sponges are soft and comfortable, offering convenience with an automated lotion application means. The device is battery powered or plug-in operated, such that a user can apply lotion to the roller and then power on the device to allow the roller to move up and down on the tracks to apply lotion to a user’s back with ease. The device also comprises a lotion bottle retaining structure on its housing. Thus, users can easily apply lotion to their backs without risk of injury.

In this manner, the back lotion device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that prevents users from having to reach awkwardly behind their backs for manual application of lotion. The device allows a user to avoid the difficult and uncomfortable application of lotion in hard-to-reach areas. The device saves time and effort when applying lotion after a shower.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a back lotion device. The device is designed to save time and effort when applying lotion to a user’s back area. The device comprises a housing with two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller. At least one sponge roller is utilized, however any number of sponge rollers can be utilized as is known in the art. The roller can be installed within the tracks and moves vertically and/or rotationally to automate the lotion and/or ointment application.

In one embodiment, the housing comprises a motor in communication with the sponge roller. Specifically, in this embodiment, the motor comprises a belt which engages the sponge roller. The sponge roller comprises at least one sprocket at each of its opposing ends, or other belt engaging feature as is known in the art. The sprocket engages with notches or grooves on the belt, such that when the motor is powered on, the belt acts to not only rotate the sponge roller but will pull the sponge roller up and down the tracks in a linearly direction. However, a belt need not be used, and a chain can be used instead, or any other suitable motion transferring device as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the housing can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as it can house the tracks and removable sponge roller, as well as the motor and other mechanical/electrical components. Further, in one embodiment, the housing is wall mounted via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as adhesive, screws, nails, etc. In another embodiment, the housing is free-standing and comprises at least two legs which can be adjusted at varying heights via telescoping components (not shown).

In another embodiment, the device is battery powered or plug-in operated, such that a user can apply lotion to the roller and then power on the device to allow the roller to move up and down on the tracks to apply lotion to a user’s back with ease. The motor is in communication with the power supply, and the power supply can be either battery powered, or plug-in operated, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the device comprises a portable, battery powered, unit that can be positioned within a bathroom for use, or other suitable room. In another embodiment, the device would include an integrated power cable to power the motor and rotate the sponge roller.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a timer and sensors, to customize the direction and speed of the rotation of the sponge roller and the length of time that the device is activated.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a catch tray for catching excess lotion drip for reuse. The catch tray hangs out past the bottom of the housing and contains a lip for retaining the excess lotion.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a lotion bottle retaining structure positioned on its base. The lotion bottle retaining structure can retain any suitable lotion, ointment, moisturizer, etc., bottle as is known in the art. The lotion bottle retaining structure can be secured to the housing via any suitable securing means as is known in the art.

In another embodiment, the sponge rollers of the present invention comprise an external cushioning component that absorbs lotion, allowing it to be spread over a user’s back. Specifically, the external cushioning component comprises cotton, fleece, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc., or any other suitable cushioning material as is known in the art, such that the sponge rollers are soft and comfortable for a user to spread lotion onto their back.

In yet another embodiment, the back lotion device is manufactured from molded plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.

In yet another embodiment, the back lotion device is manufactured from a material that is water resistant.

In yet another embodiment, the back lotion device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of utilizing a hands-free lotion applicator to apply lotion is described. The method includes the steps of providing a back lotion device comprising a housing including two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller for applying lotion. The method also comprises positioning the sponge roller at a predetermined height based on a user’s height. Further, the method comprises applying lotion to the sponge roller. The method also comprises powering on the device, such that the sponge roller rotates. Finally, standing near the sponge roller, such that the sponge roller contacts a user’s back and automatically applies lotion to a user’s back.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the back lotion device is mounted on a wall at a predetermined height. The sponge roller is then positioned at a specific height, based on the needs and/or wants of a user. A user then applies lotion to the sponge roller and turns the device on, causing the sponge roller to rotate and/or move in a linear direction. A user stands against the device, such that the sponge roller contacts a user’s back, applying lotion to the user quickly and efficiently.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device of the present invention wherein lotion is applied to the roller in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device of the present invention wherein the roller is adjustable in height in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device of the present invention wherein excess lotion drips in a catch tray in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of utilizing a hands-free lotion applicator to apply lotion in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that provides users with a hands-free lotion and ointment applicator device which features rolling, height-adjustable sponges. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that allows users to pour lotion or ointment on the sponges to rub against their body rather than trying to reach awkwardly behind their back for manual application. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that includes a battery or electrical plug to power the roller and automate the lotion application. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that features a catch tray on the base to catch any excess lotion drips for reuse. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that offers a way to apply any lotion, soap, ointment, etc., to the back and other hard to reach areas of the body with ease. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a back lotion device that provides soft and comfortable sponges which conveniently apply lotion automatically.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel back lotion device. The device is designed to save time and effort when applying lotion to a user’s back area. The device comprises two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller within a housing. The housing is wall mounted. The roller can be installed within the tracks and moves vertically to automate the lotion and/or ointment application. The device comprises a catch tray for catching excess lotion drip for reuse. The device is battery powered or plug-in operated, such that a user can apply lotion to the roller and then power on the device to allow the roller to move up and down on the tracks to apply lotion to a user’s back with ease. The present invention also includes a novel method of utilizing a hands-free lotion applicator to apply lotion. The method includes the steps of providing a back lotion device comprising a housing including two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller for applying lotion. The method also comprises positioning the sponge roller at a predetermined height based on a user’s height. Further, the method comprises applying lotion to the sponge roller. The method also comprises powering on the device, such that the sponge roller rotates. Finally, standing near the sponge roller, such that the sponge roller contacts a user’s back and automatically applies lotion to a user’s back.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the back lotion device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the back lotion device 100 is an improved back lotion device that automatically and continuously applies lotion to a user’s back. The device 100 is especially designed to allow any suitable user as is known in the art, to easily apply lotion to their backs. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a housing 102 including two or more tracks 104 and a removable sponge roller 106. Any suitable number of tracks 104 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, at least one sponge roller 106 is utilized, however any number of sponge rollers 106 can be utilized as is known in the art. The roller 106 can be installed within the tracks 104 and moves vertically and/or rotationally to automate the lotion and/or ointment application. Further, if the roller 106 becomes old and damaged, it can be removed and replaced as needed, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

Furthermore, the housing 102 comprises a motor 108 in communication with the sponge roller 106. Specifically, in this embodiment, the motor 108 comprises a belt 110 which engages the sponge roller 106. The sponge roller 106 comprises at least one sprocket 112 at each of its opposing ends 114, or another belt engaging feature as is known in the art. The sprocket 112 engages with notches or grooves 116 on the belt 110, such that when the motor 108 is powered on, the belt 110 acts to not only rotate the sponge roller 106 but will pull the sponge roller 106 up and down the tracks 104 in a linearly direction. However, a belt 110 need not be used, and a chain can be used instead, or any other suitable motion transferring device as is known in the art.

Additionally, the housing 102 can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as it can house the tracks 104 and removable sponge roller 106, as well as the motor 108 and other mechanical/electrical components. Further, in one embodiment, the housing 102 is wall mounted via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as adhesive, screws, nails, etc. In another embodiment, the housing 102 is free-standing and comprises at least two legs which can be adjusted at varying heights via telescoping components (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the device 100 is battery powered 200 or plug-in 202 operated, such that a user can apply lotion 204 to the roller 106 and then power on the device 100 to allow the roller 106 to move up and down on the tracks 104 to apply lotion to a user’s back with ease. The motor 108 is in communication with the power supply 200, 202, and the power supply 200, 202 can be either battery powered 200 or plug-in 202 operated, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the device 100 comprises a portable, battery powered unit 200 that can be positioned within a bathroom or other suitable room for use. In another embodiment, the device 100 would include an integrated power cable 202 to power the motor 108 and rotate the sponge roller 106.

In another embodiment, the device 100 comprises a timer 206 and sensors 208, to customize the direction and speed of the rotation of the sponge roller 106 and the length of time that the device 100 is activated. Any suitable number of sensors 208 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Any suitable sensor 208 can be utilized as is known in the art to show time, rotational speed, etc., or any other characteristic as is known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the device 100 comprises a lotion bottle retaining structure 300 positioned on its housing 102. The lotion bottle retaining structure 300 is sized to retain any suitable lotion, ointment, moisturizer, etc., bottle as is known in the art. The lotion bottle retaining structure 300 can be secured to the housing 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art.

Further, the sponge rollers 106 of the present invention comprise an external cushioning component 302 that absorbs lotion, allowing it to be spread over a user’s back. Specifically, the external cushioning component 302 comprises cotton, fleece, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc., or any other suitable cushioning material as is known in the art, such that the sponge rollers 106 are soft and comfortable for a user to spread lotion onto their back.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the device 100 comprises a catch tray 400 for catching excess lotion drip 402 for reuse. The catch tray 400 hangs out past the bottom 404 of the housing 102 and contains a lip 406 for retaining the excess lotion 402. The catch tray 400 can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as it retains the excess lotion 402. The catch tray 400 can be an independent component secured to the housing 102, or the catch tray 400 can be an integral piece with the housing 102.

In yet another embodiment, the back lotion device 100 is manufactured from molded plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polyethylene, thermoplastic, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the back lotion device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the housing 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.

In another embodiment, the back lotion device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 408. The housing 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the housing 102, or any other indicia 408 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 408 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be lotion or brand related.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the back lotion device 100 is mounted on a wall 500 at a predetermined height. The sponge roller 106 is then positioned at a specific height, based on the needs and/or wants of a user 502. A user 502 then applies lotion 204 to the sponge roller 106 and turns the device 100 on, causing the sponge roller 106 to rotate and/or move in a linear direction. A user 502 stands against the device 100, such that the sponge roller 106 contacts a user’s back 504, applying lotion 204 to the user 502 quickly and efficiently.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of utilizing a hands-free lotion applicator to apply lotion. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a back lotion device comprising a housing including two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller for applying lotion. The method also comprises at 602, positioning the sponge roller at a predetermined height based on a user’s height. Further, the method comprises at 604, applying lotion to the sponge roller. The method also comprises at 606, powering on the device, such that the sponge roller rotates. Finally, at 608, standing near the sponge roller, such that the sponge roller contacts a user’s back and automatically applies lotion to a user’s back.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “back lotion device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the back lotion device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the back lotion device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the back lotion device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the back lotion device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the back lotion device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the back lotion device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user’s needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A back lotion application device for automatically and continuously applying a lotion to a user’s back, the back lotion application device comprising: a housing; at least two tracks; and a removable sponge roller; wherein the housing houses the at least two tracks and the removable sponge roller; wherein the removable sponge roller is installed within the at least two tracks; and further wherein the removable sponge roller moves vertically and rotationally to automate application of the lotion to the user’s back.
 2. The back lotion application device of claim 1, wherein the removable sponge roller can be removed from the housing and replaced as needed.
 3. The back lotion application device of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a motor in communication with the removable sponge roller.
 4. The back lotion application device of claim 3, wherein the motor comprises a belt which engages the removable sponge roller.
 5. The back lotion application device of claim 4, wherein the removable sponge roller comprises at least one sprocket at each opposing end.
 6. The back lotion application device of claim 5, wherein the at least one sprocket engages with a plurality of notches on the belt, such that when the motor is powered on, the belt acts to not only rotate the removable sponge roller, but will pull the removable sponge roller up and down the at least two tracks in a linear manner.
 7. The back lotion application device of claim 1, wherein the housing is wall mounted.
 8. The back lotion application device of claim 1, wherein the back lotion application device is battery powered.
 9. The back lotion application device of claim 1, wherein the back lotion application device comprises an integrated power cable to power the back lotion application device.
 10. The back lotion application device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a timer and a plurality of sensors to customize a direction and a speed of rotation of the removable sponge roller and a length of time that the back lotion application device is activated.
 11. The back lotion application device of claim 1 further comprising a lotion bottle retaining structure secured to the housing for retaining a lotion bottle.
 12. The back lotion application device of claim 1, wherein the removable sponge roller comprises an external cushioning component to absorb the lotion, thereby allowing the lotion to be spread over the user’s back.
 13. The back lotion application device of claim 1 further comprising a catch tray for catching excess lotion and that us secured to a bottom of the housing.
 14. A back lotion application device for automatically and continuously applying a lotion to a user’s back, the back lotion application device comprising: a housing; at least two tracks; a removable sponge roller that is installed within the at least two tracks, and that comprises at least one sprocket at each opposing end; and a motor in mechanical communication with a belt that engages the removable sponge roller; wherein the at least one sprocket engages with a plurality of notches on the belt, such that when the motor is powered on, the belt acts to not only rotate the removable sponge roller, but will pull the removable sponge roller up and down the at least two tracks in a linear motion; and further wherein the housing comprises a timer and a plurality of sensors to customize a direction and a speed of rotation of the removable sponge roller and a length of time that the back lotion application device is activated.
 15. The back lotion application device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.
 16. The back lotion application device of claim 14 further comprising a catch tray for catching an excess lotion and that is secured to a bottom of the housing.
 17. The back lotion application device of claim 14 further comprising a lotion bottle retaining structure secured to the housing for retaining a lotion bottle.
 18. The back lotion application device of claim 14, wherein the removable sponge roller comprises an external cushioning component to absorb the lotion, thereby allowing the lotion to be spread over the user’s back.
 19. The back lotion application device of claim 14, wherein the back lotion application device is battery powered and comprises an integrated power cable to power the back lotion application device.
 20. A method of utilizing a hands-free lotion applicator to apply a lotion to a user’s back, the method comprising the steps of: providing a back lotion application device comprising a housing having two or more tracks and a removable sponge roller for applying the lotion; positioning the removable sponge roller at a predetermined height based on a user’s height; applying the lotion to the removable sponge roller; powering on the back lotion application device, such that the removable sponge roller rotates; and positioning the user near the removable sponge roller, such that the removable sponge roller contacts the user’s back and automatically applies the lotion to the user’s back. 